Agree/disagree: “The only way you’ll get hired is if you have a friend who will hire you or get you in.”

When I have interviews, things go well, then they look at my resume and start asking me things like: So why don’t you become a principal? Have you considered private schools?

I do my best to extinguish those kinds of things since I am working on my MBA but my efforts have been fruitless. I even went to a colloquium about job searching and the likes and the head speaker asked me what I did. I told him I used to be a teacher and I am looking to get into management or corporate training.

He told me to my face in front of everybody,

“The only way you can do that is if you have a friend who will hire you or get you in.”

I then stated that i was working on my MBA to which the speaker told me, “That is good and all but you don’t have a business background.”

There are only two logical responses, but luckily both can lead to positive results.

You’re right, Mr. Speaker, the only person who will hire me is a friend or connection. So I’m going to network like crazy to meet that person who will launch my career. And newsflash, Mr. Speaker, everyone starts every career by making friends and connections. What do you think is happening in that interview?

You’re wrong, Mr. Speaker, and here’s why…. [enter why you’re passionate about a given industry]. Use that passion in your cover letter, interview, and blog to make a job for you. Because if you get the interview, that means the company wants to hear your perspective. And they don’t want job-hopers, they want people who have changed course and completely recommitted themselves to a new field.

Ready for the lame kitten poster slogan? Don’t give up!

I can’t believe a speaker would be rude enough to say that to someone in a big crowd. But you know, they get paid for being memorable and providing “in your face” advice (whether it’s right or not).

While there are some HR people who WON’T hire you.. you only need one who will! And you can still get in on the tiny bit of good advice in there: keep networking and making those friends who will hire you or get you in ;-).

Have you run into any naysayers yet? Is it fueling your fire or bringing you down?

About Sarah G

Sarah Greesonbach is the founder of Life After Teaching. She believes that teachers are the most talented, versatile, and valuable employees you could hire. She taught high school English for three years before transitioning into writing, editing, and marketing. Her career advice appears on Simply Hired, AOL Jobs, and YAHOO! Small Business.

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Comments

This is my biggest fear. I am a 4th year special education teacher. I am an overachiever, type A person by nature and I love working with my students; however, this job I fear is killing me. The stress and pressure I feel to give my students the education they deserve combined with the mounting pressures of education is just too much for me. I decided this school year is my last after frequent panic/anxiety attacks caused by me trying to do my job successfully to the standard that I would be happy with combined with me trying to be a good mother and wife to my family.
I found this blog last night and have been reading it all night. Thank you for the reassurance that I have been seeking and all of the great advice. If you are ever looking for someone to write or interview, I would be happy to share my journey. I would love to help other teachers in my position as I try to figure out what is next for me!

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